About Lower Cape Cod

Can you identify Cape Cod on a map? If not, here’s a hint: it’s on the easternmost coast of Massachusetts, and it looks like a flexed arm with a clenched fist. Now, here’s your second challenge: identify Lower Cape Cod on a map. It may not be where you think it is, but here are some fun facts about Lower Cape Cod that will ensure you won’t forget where it is on a map ever again!

The Lower Cape Cod Elbow

The flexed arm of Cape Cod has traditionally been divided into three sections: upper, mid and lower. The upper section of the cape consists of the upper arm closest to the mainland. The mid-cape consists of the bicep-area of the arm, and the lower cape consists of the elbow-area of the arm. Through most of the 20th century, the area of the cape from elbow to fist was also considered part of the lower cape, but today this area is most commonly referred to as the outer cape.

Lower Cape Cod Towns

The elbow of Cape Cod that makes up Lower Cape Cod consists of three towns: Brewster, Chatham and Harwich. Brewster is home to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History where visitors can find exhibits featuring whales and birds, live marine exhibits, educational programs and off-site nature tours. Brewster is also known for its antique shops and art galleries. Cruise down the Old King’s Highway, historic Route 6A, in Brewster and stop at the Lemon Tree Village Shops to shop for pottery, clothing, gifts, jewelry, toys and more made by local artists as well as artists from around the globe.

Chatham is often referred to as one of Cape Cod’s most picturesque towns (and we’re not just saying that because we live and work here)! If Lower Cape Cod is considered an elbow, then Chatham could be the funny bone. Its location, bordering both the Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, makes Chatham a very popular beach destination in the Lower Cape. The iconic Chatham Lighthouse is operated by the US Coast Guard, but guests can still enjoy a tour of the lighthouse that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

For a slice of the quintessential Cape Cod vacation, visit Harwich in Lower Cape Cod. Its central location on the cape, located halfway between the Cape Cod Canal and Provincetown, give Harwich a classic Americana vibe. Offering everything from band concerts and arts and crafts shows to an annual Cranberry Festival in September, Harwich appeals to those who love history and art as much as those who love seafaring. Catch the ferry boat from Saquatucket Harbor to Nantucket for beautiful views of the saltwater beaches lining Nantucket Sound.

How to Get to Lower Cape Cod

Travel to Lower Cape Cod by plane, train or automobile! The Chatham Municipal Airport welcomes private planes and charters directly into Chatham. Or, from Boston, take the seasonal CapeFLYER weekend train service to Hyannis in mid-Cape Cod. From Hyannis, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides daily bus service to North Chatham. Taxis and car rentals are also available in Hyannis to get you anywhere you need to go in Lower Cape Cod.

Lodging in Lower Cape Cod

Now that you know how to find Lower Cape Cod on a map (look for the elbow!), the towns in Lower Cape Cod and how to get to Lower Cape Cod, let us suggest a place for you to stay in Lower Cape Cod: Chatham Gables Inn. Conveniently located in the town of Chatham at the elbow of Cape Cod, Chatham Gables Inn is the perfect launching point for day trips to Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and other popular Cape Cod destinations. Our staff will help you plan your dream Cape Cod experience in Lower Cape Cod and beyond!